DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed on 05/14/2026 has been entered. Claims 1-20 are still pending in the application. Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to independent claim 1 and its dependent claims 2-20 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 1-5 and 8-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Francesco et al. (US-20220321198-A1) hereinafter Francesco, in view of Kim et al. (US20210389783A1) hereinafter Kim.
Regarding Claim 1, Francesco discloses a communication system comprising: a drone; a panel that includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface configured to reflect a signal in a reflection direction (Francesco, Fig. 2, par. 7; a UAV equipped with an RIS); and flexures connecting the panel to the drone, wherein the flexures are configured to hold the panel in an orientation such that an incident signal is reflected in the reflection direction to a target location, and wherein the flexures are configured such that changing the orientation of the panel changes the reflection direction of the reflected signal (Francesco, Fig. 6, par. 86; A RIS mounted on a UAV is considered, composed of N reflecting elements and reflecting the signal coming from the BS towards the target area).
PNG
media_image1.png
626
540
media_image1.png
Greyscale
Francesco does not explicitly teach the shape of the mount connecting the RIS panel to an UAV, however, Kim discloses a UAS attachment for manipulating payload which includes robotic arms with flexures that grips elements below the UAV and compensates movement for flight stabilization and battery consumption optimization (Kim, figs. 5A-5C; UAV 501, a parallel manipulator gripper (PMG) 502, and a payload 503) in an initial state)
PNG
media_image2.png
212
283
media_image2.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image3.png
187
287
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image4.png
186
285
media_image4.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of Francesco and Kim to add a gripper to a UAS to hold the RIS and aim it to a desired position in order to enhance communication in the target area and improve control of the directionality of the RIS panel towards the target area in environments where obstacles restrict flight maneuverability and impede a clear line of sight to the UAV and the RIS panels.
The combination of Francesco and Kim does not explicitly mention the manipulator being configured specifically for mechanical steering of an RIS panel, However, Hiller discloses a system for drone coordinated satellite communication which utilizes a drone attachment to mechanically rotate (i.e. steer) the attached beam reflector (Hiller, figs 2A-2C, par. 34; The mount comprises a mechanism 212 adjusting the orientation in two orthogonal directions x and y of a cartesian coordinate system).
Therefore a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention seeking to enhance beam steering and directionality would be motivated to combine Francesco’s teachings for UAV and RIS system for enhancing communication in a target area, with Kim’s system for drone object manipulation utilizing robotic arms with Hiller’s system for mechanical beam steering to enhance network coverage in target areas utilizing a hybrid RIS parameter configuration with enhanced mechanical steering to aid beam directionality in areas with limited line of sight or in environments where physical structures hinder drone maneuverability.
PNG
media_image5.png
511
374
media_image5.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 2, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the flexures comprise a material configured to be manipulated to a position (Kim, par. 41; the apparatus may receive an instruction to maintain a position of the payload or adjust the position of the payload based on, for example, a determined external force (e.g., a torque) which may affect the momentum of the manipulator 130 and/or UAV 102) and to hold that position (Francesco, Fig. 2, par. 22; The present invention provide an efficient control solution that compensates unwanted oscillations of the UAV (in terms of orientation, tilt angle and position) while still steering the reflected signal towards specific areas).
Regarding Claim 3, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism to connect each of the flexures to a body of the drone in a movable manner (Kim, Figs. 2 and 5A-C, par. 27; A controllable apparatus may be attached to a body of a UAV as a PMG for precise manipulation, gripping, and handling of a payload)
Regarding Claim 4, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, further comprising four flexures (Kim, Fig. 4, par. 3; UAVs often include robotic arms and/or manipulators), wherein each of the flexures connects to a different corner of the panel (Francesco, Fig. 2, par. 51; RIS mounted on the UAV 210). Examiners note, as stated in claim 1, the combination teaches the mount of the RIS on the UAV could be modified to have a set number of flexures to point the panel to the desired angle.
Regarding Claim 5, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein each of the flexures comprises a joint connecting two portions (Kim, par. 4; the base member may comprise and/or be otherwise secured to one or more balls or sockets of one or more ball and socket joints or any other type of joint which may facilitate a rotation and/or pivot) that allows each of the flexures to be expanded and contracted (Kim, par. 4; A first plurality of rigid members may extend from the base member with each of the rigid members being rotatably and pivotally coupled to the base member)
Regarding Claim 8, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises openings to accommodate airflow requirements of the drone (Francesco, par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas). Examiners note, par. 21 discloses a method to compensate for UAV movements (aerodynamics) in addition, Kim discloses a method to balance the weight of the attachment and its payload (i.e. panel) during flight time (Kim, par. 36; Based on determining the movement of the UAV and/or the payload, the control unit may cause one or more repositionable weights of the one or more repositionable weights to move from a first predetermined weight-fixation position to a predetermined weight-fixation position, thereby offsetting a change in the center of mass)
Regarding Claim 9, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the flexures are repositionable (Kim, par. 4; A controllable apparatus may be attached a to body of a UAV as a parallel manipulator and gripper (PMG) (e.g., a three-axis PMG), for precise manipulation and handling of objects) manually and an orientation of the panel is configured by setting the flexures prior to launch of the drone (Francesco, par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas).
Regarding Claim 10, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the flexures are controlled via a controller (Kim, par. 61; The PMG 201 may include a controller (e.g., the control unit 131, etc.))
Regarding Claim 11, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein an orientation of the panel is changed by activating selected flexures (Francesco, par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas).
Regarding Claim 12, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 11, wherein an azimuth of the panel is changed by activating at least one pair of flexures connected to a first side of the panel to either contract or expand (Francesco, par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas). Examiner notes, par. 41 takes Azimuth and elevation into account to aim to the target location (Francesco, par. 41; optimally configure the RIS parameters such that the signal coming from the transmitter with azimuth φR and elevation angle θR will reach the target area).
Regarding Claim 13, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 12, wherein an elevation of the panel is changed by activating at least one pair of flexures (Kim, par. 67; When actuated, may cause the gripper member 209 to move and/or translate in either direction along a horizontal plane relative to the gripper member 209 … each gripper member 209 may include any other shape and/or orientation) connected to a second side of the panel adjacent to the first side to either contract or expand (Francesco, par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas). Examiner notes, par. 41 takes Azimuth and elevation into account to aim to the target location (Francesco, par. 41; optimally configure the RIS parameters such that the signal coming from the transmitter with azimuth φR and elevation angle θR will reach the target area).
Regarding Claim 14, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the orientation is changed such that the incident signal is reflected to a second target location (Francesco, Fig. 5, Par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas). Examiner Notes, it is implied that the UAS can be repositioned or oriented in different locations to provide coverage to different areas.
PNG
media_image6.png
462
380
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 15, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein a position of the drone is changed such that the incident signal is reflected to a second target location. (Francesco, Fig. 5, Par. 21; the present invention provides a method to dynamically and automatically compensate unexpected UAV movements and orientation changes while properly configuring an RIS to provide connectivity towards selected areas). Examiner Notes, it is implied that the UAS can be repositioned or oriented in different locations to provide coverage to different areas.
Regarding Claim 16, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the incident signal is a cellular signal, a television signal, a radio signal, or a network signal (Francesco, Fig. 2 par. 24; UAV may fly and hover over a specific area to provide connectivity to users on the ground in the area by means of portable (3G, LTE, or 5G) base stations).
Regarding Claim 17, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable intelligent surface comprises unit cells configured to resonate at a particular frequency or range of frequencies (Francesco, par. 44; The control of the RIS parameters is performed by means of an independent control channel that may rely on proprietary protocols running on a frequency such as 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency).
Regarding Claim 18, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses, the communication system of claim 1, wherein the panel is detachable from and attachable to the flexures (Kim, par. 32; The apparatus may include a gripper element that may be used to grip, grasp and/or otherwise handle or manipulate an object). Examiner notes, it is implied the object gripped (RIS panel) can be released at will, in addition, it would have been reasonable for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to use the combined teachings of Francesco and Kim to design the gripper/flexures to be detachable to facilitate maintenance actions or an RIS panel replacement.
Claim(s) 6-7 and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Francesco et al. (US-20220321198-A1) hereinafter Francesco, in view of Kim et al. (US-20210389783-A1) hereinafter Kim and further in view of Xiao et al. (A Survey on Millimeter-Wave Beamforming Enabled UAV Communications and Networking) hereinafter Xiao.
Regarding Claims 6, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses the system of claim 1, where a UAV uses and IRS panel to reflect waves to a target area. The combination of Francesco and Kim does not explicitly disclose the use of mmWaves being reflected on the IRS, however, Xiao discloses a method to reflect mmWaves to a desired target area by mounting an IRS panel to different UAV platforms (Xiao, Fig. 9, pg. 12; MmWave signals are easily blocked by obstacles, especially in urban and indoor environments. To tackle this issue, IRS/RIS, which is able to reconfigure the propagation environment by providing adjustable reflected paths for signals [81]–[83], has attracted increasing attention).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to combine Francesco’s methods of using UAVs with a mounted RIS panel, with Kim UAV attachment for payload management to enhance RIS directionality to a target area with Xiao’s method of using UAVs with RIS panels to reflect mmWave signals to enhance coverage in hard to reach places or areas where the terrain obstructs wireless communication due to bad line of sight or lack of infrastructure.
PNG
media_image7.png
296
696
media_image7.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claims 7, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses the communication system of claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable intelligent surface is an active surface configured to reflect mmWave frequencies and wherein power is provided by the drone a battery, or from a ground power source via a cable (Francesco, par. 22; RISs are used to minimize the impact of the battery consumption on an emergency UAV provided with portable network equipment).
The combination of Francesco and Kim does not explicitly teach the teach the RIS configuration being able to reflect mmWave frequencies. However, Xiao discloses a method to reflect mmWaves to a desired target area by mounting an IRS panel to different UAV platforms (Xiao, Fig. 9, pg. 12; MmWave signals are easily blocked by obstacles, especially in urban and indoor environments. To tackle this issue, IRS/RIS, which is able to reconfigure the propagation environment by providing adjustable reflected paths for signals [81]–[83], has attracted increasing attention). In addition, Xiao discloses a method to use energy harvesting to enhance the UAV’s battery life during operations (Xiao, pg. 45; In this scenario, energy harvesting enables UAVs with the ability of sustainable communication without power infrastructures. By harvesting energy from ambient environment, such as solar and wind energy, a UAV is able to realize perpetual flight and provide continuous communication service to ground users [355]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious toa person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Francesco’s methods of using UAVs with a mounted RIS panel, with Kim UAV attachment for payload management to enhance RIS directionality to a target area with Xiao’s method of using UAVs with RIS panels to reflect mmWave signals to enhance coverage in hard to reach places or areas where the terrain obstructs wireless communication due to bad line of sight or lack of infrastructure and further incorporate Xiao’s energy harvesting method to prolong the battery life of the UAV during operations.
Regarding Claim 19, The combination of Francesco and Kim discloses the communication system of claim 1, where a UAV uses and IRS panel to reflect waves to a target area. The combination of Francesco and Kim does not explicitly disclose the use of a plurality of drones each equipped with an RIS panel. However, Xiao further teaches a method to use multiple UAVs to stablish an ad-hoc mesh network (Xiao, pg. 35; A multi-UAV system organized in a mesh manner is referred to as a flying ad hoc network (FANET), where multiple UAVs can collaboratively carry out complex missions).
Therefore, it would have been obvious toa person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Francesco’s methods of using UAVs with a mounted RIS panel, with Kim UAV attachment for payload management to enhance RIS directionality to a target area with Xiao’s method to reflect mmWave signal and multi-UAV system to stablish and ad-hoc mesh network to enhance communications in multiple target areas or extend coverage in a specific site.
Regarding Claim 20, the combination of Francesco and Kim discloses the communication system of claim 1, where a UAV uses and IRS panel to reflect waves to a target area. The combination of Francesco and Kim does not explicitly disclose the use of a plurality of drones are deployed to different locations and reflect an incident signal to different target locations. However, Xiao further teaches a method to use multiple UAVs to stablish an ad-hoc mesh network (Xiao, pg. 35; A multi-UAV system organized in a mesh manner is referred to as a flying ad hoc network (FANET), where multiple UAVs can collaboratively carry out complex missions).
Therefore, it would have been obvious toa person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Francesco’s methods of using UAVs with a mounted RIS panel, with Kim UAV attachment for payload management to enhance RIS directionality to a target area with Xiao’s method to reflect mmWave signal and multi-UAV system to stablish and ad-hoc mesh network to enhance communications in multiple target areas or extend coverage in a specific site.
It is noted that any citations to specific pages, columns, lines or figures in the prior art
references and any interpretation of the reference should not be considered limiting in any way. A
reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably
suggested to a person of ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2123
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Jalali (US-20180287691-A1), Wireless Communications System For Broadband Access To Aerial Platforms, 2018.
Jalali (US-20190173568-A1), Air To Ground Network For Broadband Access To Aerial Platforms, 2019.
Tu (US-9836049-B1), Relay Drone System, 2017.
Shrivastava et al. (US-20240337722-A1), System And Method For Supporting RIS Beamforming In Wireless Networks, 2024.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MARIO R CAMPERO MIRAMONTES whose telephone number is (571)272-5792. The examiner can normally be reached Monday -Thursday 0600 - 1600.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Yuwen (Kevin) Pan can be reached at (571) 272-7855. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/MARIO R CAMPERO MIRAMONTES/Examiner, Art Unit 2649 /YUWEN PAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2649
Prosecution Insights